Adjustable hearth



(No Model.) 2 Sheets-Sheet 1. J. H. BENNETT. ADJUSTABLE HEARTH.

Patented June 23, 1891.

g /N VE N TOR ATTOHNE YS WITNESSES Mm $.2aZ1/aI/b (No Model.) 2Sheets-Sheet 2. J. H. BENNETT. ADJUSTABLE HEARTH.

Patented June 23, 1 891.

, INVENTOI? C 1%, M

M {Q ATTORNEYS UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JOSEPH H. BENNETT, OF ST. JOSEPH, MISSOURI.

ADJ USTABLE H EARTH.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 454,703, dated June 23,1891.

Application filed January 28, 1891. Serial No. 379,385. (l To model.)

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, J OSEPH I-I. BENNETT, of St. Joseph, in the countyof Buchanan and State of Missouri, have invented a new and usefulConvertible I-learth, of which the following is a full, clear, and exactdescription.

This invention relates to an improved device for the distribution ofheat by indirect radiation, and has for its objects to provide a simple,practical, and efficient apparatus for the introduction of heat intoapartments from below the fioor-line, which will afford an ornamentalheat-distributer in the winter season, and a substantial and neat hearthfor a fire-place in the summer.

To these ends my invention consists in the construction and combinationof parts, as is hereinafter described and claimed.-

Reference is to be had to the accompanying drawings forming a part ofthis specification, in which similar letters of reference indicatecorresponding parts in all the figures. Figure 1 is a front elevation ofthe device in position, shown partly in section. Fig. 2 is a plan viewof the hearth in place before a chimney, shown broken; and Fig. 3 is aside elevation, partly in sect-ion, of the heat-distributing apparatus011 the line 3 3 in Fig. 1.

A represents the floor of an apartment in which the device is to belocated, the preferred use being to distribute heat in rooms directlyabove a cellar or basement.

As before indicated, the heat-distributer is designed to subserve thedual purpose of a heat-effluent in the season when such a use isnecessary, and also provide a chimney-hearth or basis therefor when theheating device is not in service.

To effect the indicated purposes, the floor A is cut away to aiford arectangular aperture in front of the chimney-B, of proper size toreceive a chimney-hearth O, which will neatly cover the aperture whenimposed thereon, said hearth being the top portion of a'heat-effluentbox 0 which will be further mentioned.

Directly below the aperture in the floor A a hot-air chamber D is hungin a stable manner from the floor-timbers, or said chamber may besupported from the cellar-floor below by any suitable means, ifpreferred. The hot air chamber D may be constructed of boards coveredwith sheet metal, or be formed of any other substantial fire-proofmaterial, and is of such a relative capacity that the heatradiator Ewill be contained therein, the dimensions of the latter named beingproportioned to the area that is to be heated. Steam, hot water, or hotair may be conveyed to the radiator E through pipes (not shown) andserve as means for supplying caloric to said device, which will warmsurrounding air in the chamber D.

The pipe F may be extended to a source of fresh air that may be theexterior of the building, and if said pipe is employed the inductedvalves of the radiator, which, being of ordinary form, are not shown.

Upon the chimney B, below the floor A, two similar brackets G areloosely secured in a manner which will permit them to .slide vertically,said brackets being held parallel and sufficiently separated to locatethem one on each side of the radiator E and adjacent thereto.

The rectangular heat-effluent box 0, previously mentioned, is mountedupon the brackets G, and is made of such a relative size to thefloor-opening as will allow it to reciprocate in the same, its frontside and end walls being properly apertured to receive the adjustableregisters 0 which may be formed as shown in Fig. 1, or be given arectangular shape. Preferably there are three registers used on thefront side of the effluent-box O and one at each end, but this numberand the comparative dimensions of the registers may be changed, ifdesired. The brackets G are downwardly extended below the chamber D aproper length and have a toothed rack G formed on the outer face of eachlimb near their lower'ends, the racks being located below the chamber D,the parts of the limbs above the racks being adapted to slide neatly inthe frame of the chamber and be guided thereby, or by any otherpreferred means.

At a point near the lower ends of the racks G a transverse shaft H isrevolubly supported at a proper distance therefrom by the dependinghangers I, whereon the shaft is journaled. Upon the shaft H the twosimilar toothed pinions J are mounted and secured at points opposite theracks G, which they engage.

One end of the shaft H projects beyond the hanger at that end, and has aworm-wheel M secured on said projecting portion, which wheel is engagedby the screw N, that is supported at its lower end by the bracket 0 andprojects vertically, having its upper end revolubly sustained at P, andalso furnished with a crank-handle R above said support, whereby thescrew may be revolved and the connected gearing actuated.

In use the heat-effluent box 0 is elevated through the floor-aperture aproper height to permit heat to escape from the registers 0 which areadjusted to graduate its outflow as may be required, the provision ofthe registers affording means to control the heat and also prevent anescape of cold air inducted into the chamberD through the pipe F, theeffluent-box being closed until the air is properly warmed. Afterwardthe valve F and registers are adjusted to graduate the aircurrentproperly.

While it is preferred to make the hearth C of tiles or similar removableslabs of material, it is also contemplated to enamel the top surface ofthe box 0, or use marble or slab for a hearth and impose the single slabupon said surface. By the provision of the movable hearth O andheat-effluent box 0 the radiator is removed from the room and the spaceit occupies is available for other purposes'in the summer months, and atthe same time all the known advantages pertaining to the system ofindirect heat-radiation are secured.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire tosecure by Letters Patent, is

with or is near the floor, substantially as set forth.

4. The combination, with an inclosed radiator below the floor of anapartment, of a vertically-adjustable hearth, substantially as setforth.

5. The combination, with a hot-air chamber, an air-supply pipe, and aradiator within the chamber, of a vertically-adjustable heatefliuentbox, substantially as set forth.

6. The combination, with a hot-air chamber, a radiator within, and afresh-air pipe, all suspended below an aperture in an apartment-floor,of a heat-effluent box having its upper surface adapted to serve as ahearth, and mechanism for the vertical adjustment of the effluent-box,substantially as set forth.

7. The combination, with a hot-air chamber located below and aligningwith an aperture in an apartment floor near a vertical wall or chimney,a radiator within, and a fresh-airsupply pipe, of a heat-effiuent boxwithin the floor-aperture, brackets therefor which are provided withracks on their lower limbs, a transverse shaft revolubly supported,pinions on the shaft which are in gearwith the racks, a worm-wheel onthe shaft, and a revoluble screw engaging the wormwheel, substantiallyas set forth.

JOSEPH H. BENNETT. l/Vitnesses:

WILLIAM J. HUBBARD, H. E. CLEATON.

